Apple has criticised Meta Platforms for its repeated requests to access the iPhone maker’s software tools, claiming that such demands could compromise user privacy and security.
The disagreement underscores the growing competition between the two tech giants as they navigate compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA, which came into effect last year, mandates that dominant tech companies like Apple allow competitors and app developers to interoperate with their services or face fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenue.
In a recent report, Apple revealed that Meta has made 15 interoperability requests—more than any other company—seeking broad access to Apple’s technology stack.
Apple argued that many of Meta’s demands could undermine user privacy and security, describing some requests as “completely unrelated” to the operation of Meta’s hardware, such as its Meta Quest virtual reality headsets or smart glasses.
“If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user’s device all of their messages and e-mails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more,” Apple stated.
Apple also pointed to Meta’s history of privacy fines in Europe as a reason for concern.
Meta refuted Apple’s claims, accusing the company of using privacy as an excuse to maintain its competitive advantage. “What Apple is actually saying is they don’t believe in interoperability,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Every time Apple is called out for its anticompetitive behaviour, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.”
The European Commission, which oversees the enforcement of the DMA, published preliminary findings on Apple’s compliance late Wednesday. These findings included proposed measures requiring Apple to:
- Provide regular updates to developers and receive feedback on interoperability solutions.
- Establish a fair and impartial conciliation mechanism for resolving technical disputes.
- Enable interoperability with iOS notifications across all functionalities and connected devices, including the Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and future hardware.
The Commission’s final decision on whether Apple has adhered to the DMA’s provisions is expected in March 2025.
The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how tech giants comply with the DMA and manage interoperability requirements. For Apple, maintaining user trust and safeguarding its ecosystem remains a priority, while Meta aims to leverage the new regulations to broaden its reach and competitiveness.
As the March deadline approaches, the case highlights the broader tensions between innovation, competition, and consumer protection in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.